Member's Press Release

CHARLESTON, W.V. – Senate Majority Leader John Unger (D-Berkeley) announced today that the Joint Legislative Oversight Commission on State Water Resources, which he co-chairs, is launching an investigation into the recent chemical spill in Kanawha County that led to the ongoing contamination crisis.

“This whole series of events is unacceptable,” says Unger. “While the response to this crisis has been commendable, the Legislature is determined to work to ensure that this never happens again.”

The chemical spill, originating from the property of Freedom Industries along the Elk River, caused a nine county State of Emergency and a Do Not Use water order for over 300,000 West Virginians.

Majority Leader Unger says the Commission will also be looking at the state agencies responsible for oversight of these types of facilities.

“We want to find out how long this chemical was leaking and who knew about it, and if no one knew, why not. There will definitely be a change to the way things have been done in past.”

The Commission will be watching the situation closely. Majority Leader Unger will introduce legislation that provides oversight of these types of storage facilities and will protect our water resources.